Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has triggered a profound rethink of Europe’s maritime security. The conflict has revealed vulnerabilities in traditional naval doctrine and accelerated a shift toward more flexible fleets, advanced air and missile defence systems, and greater integration of uncrewed platforms. What began as a land war has become a catalyst for a broader reassessment of sea power across the continent, compelling European governments to confront strategic shortfalls that had been overlooked since the end of the Cold War.
A War that Redefined Modern Naval Risks
The sinking of Russia’s Moskva cruiser and Ukraine’s repeated deployment of naval drones have challenged long standing assumptions about maritime warfare. Large vessels once thought to be symbols of dominance are now seen as vulnerable to inexpensive, precise, and highly mobile weapons. The Black Sea conflict has also demonstrated how uncrewed systems can outmanoeuvre traditional fleets, creating an environment in which smaller actors can punch far above their weight. For European navies that had prioritised peacekeeping and counterpiracy for decades, the lessons from the Black Sea represent a turning point in how threats are assessed and how resources are allocated.
Rebuilding Shipyards and Expanding Naval Production
In response, European states are directing new funds into naval shipbuilding and industrial capacity. Germany is restoring its shipyards through expanded defence investment, while France and Italy are coordinating future frigate and destroyer designs to boost interoperability and strengthen domestic defence industries. The United Kingdom has pushed forward with its Future Fleet programme to keep the Royal Navy credible well into the next decade. These moves reflect a shared understanding that Europe’s long term security depends on sustained maritime investment and on reducing dependency on external suppliers.
Strengthening Air Defence, Uncrewed Capabilities, and Undersea Surveillance
Europe is now prioritising three critical areas of naval modernisation. The first is air and missile defence. Russian strikes using Kalibr missiles and Ukraine’s successful targeting of Russian vessels have pushed European navies to upgrade radar systems and vertical launch capabilities. The second area is the rapid adoption of uncrewed surface and underwater systems. Ukraine’s innovative use of naval drones has demonstrated that these platforms can deliver strategic effects at relatively low cost, prompting European militaries to integrate them across surveillance, mine clearing, and strike missions. The third focus is protecting critical undersea infrastructure. The sabotage of the Nord Stream pipelines revealed how fragile Europe’s energy and data networks are, driving new investments in seabed surveillance ships and autonomous deep sea vehicles.
A New Maritime Strategy Anchored in NATO Integration
The war has also strengthened the role of NATO in Europe’s maritime security. Joint exercises have increased, multinational patrols are more common, and coordination within the alliance has expanded in contested areas such as the Baltic and Mediterranean Seas. The entry of Finland and Sweden into NATO has transformed the balance in northern waters. Their submarine fleets, surveillance capabilities, and coastal defence systems give the alliance a level of access and control in the Baltic region that it has never previously enjoyed. This growing integration reflects a broader political recognition that no single European navy can manage the evolving threat landscape alone.
Europe’s naval rearmament marks one of the most significant strategic shifts in the continent’s recent history. The conflict in Ukraine has shown that maritime security cannot be taken for granted and that Europe must be prepared for a future in which naval warfare is faster, more unpredictable, and technologically complex. By adapting to the lessons of the Black Sea and investing in new capabilities, Europe is attempting to build a safer and more resilient maritime environment for the decade ahead.